🌤 Weather at Mount Nebo State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 41–80 °F | 68–92 °F | 39–86 °F | 30–55 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Russellville Municipal Airport, 9 mi away, elevation 403 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
The park itself ranges from about 660 to 1,760 ft in elevation — higher ground runs cooler than the figures above.
Arkansas’ Grandview
Mount Nebo State Park rises 1,350 feet above the Arkansas River Valley. As one of Arkansas’ first state parks, it features historic CCC-built cabins, bridges, and trails. The mountain is a flat-topped plateau offering 360-degree views, including famous sunsets that draw visitors from across the region. It’s also a hub for world-class mountain biking on the Monument Trails.
⚠️ Road Warning: Highway 155 up to the park involves sharp switchbacks. RVs and trailers over 24 feet are prohibited. Do not attempt to drive a large rig up this mountain.
Historic Cabins
The 15 rustic cabins are perched along the bluff edge, offering breathtaking views. Cabin 1 was the first state park cabin rental in Arkansas.
- Amenities: Full kitchens, fireplaces, A/C, porches with views.
- Views: Choose a cabin on the west side for sunsets (Sunrise Point cabins offer morning views).
- Pet Friendly: Designated cabins allow dogs.
Trails: Hike & Bike
With 30+ miles of trails, there’s a path for everyone.
| Trail | Use | Difficulty | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rim Trail | Hike | Easy (3.5 mi) | Circles the entire summit. Best views in the park. |
| Bench Trail | Hike/Bike | Easy (4 mi) | Level path below the rim. Ferns and springs. |
| Miller’s Goat | MTB | Intermediate | Flowy singletrack, part of Monument Trails. |
| Chickalah Loop | MTB | Advanced | Downhill flow and technical rock gardens. |
Sunset Point
The westernmost tip of the mountain, Sunset Point, is the park’s crown jewel. It offers an unobstructed view of the sun dipping below the Ozarks across the river valley. It’s a popular spot for photography and evening picnics.
Is the pool open?
The park features a swimming pool open from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. A small entry fee applies.
Can I camp if I have a big RV?
No. Due to the switchbacks on Hwy 155, trailers/RVs over 24 feet cannot access the park. Campground sites are designed for tents and small campers/vans only.
Are there bears?
Yes, black bears are present on the mountain. Keep food stored properly and never feed wildlife. Bear-proof trash cans are provided.
Explore More Arkansas State Parks
Mount Nebo State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in Arkansas. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Arkansas guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
Insider Tips
Arkansas River Valley views: Mount Nebo rises 1,800 feet above the Arkansas River Valley — offering some of the most dramatic overlooks in the state. Pro tip: The CCC-built lodge and cabins (1930s) are charming and affordable. Hang gliding: Mount Nebo is one of Arkansas’ premier hang gliding launch sites.
Best Time to Visit
Fall: Spectacular valley foliage from the mountaintop. Spring: Wildflowers along the rim trails. Summer: Swimming pool and cabin stays. Winter: Clear valley views, fewer visitors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I hang glide at Mount Nebo?
Yes. Mount Nebo’s steep slopes and reliable thermals make it one of Arkansas’ best hang gliding sites. A launch ramp is maintained at the park. Experience and proper equipment are required — this is not a beginner site. Contact the park for current access rules and wind conditions.
Nearby state parks: If you have extra time, Lake Dardanelle State Park is a short drive away, and Petit Jean State Park is within about an hour’s drive.
Camping reservations: Book campsites and cabins for Arkansas state parks online at reserve.arkansasstateparks.com.
⛺ Camping at Mount Nebo State Park: Campgrounds & Cabins
| Campsites | 34 sites — 24 Class B sites with water and 30-amp electric hookups. 10 hike-in tent sites. There is no dump station at the park. |
|---|---|
| Cabins & Lodging | 15 cabins, ranging from studio to 3-bedroom units, available year-round. Twelve of the 15 cabins are along the bluff with river-valley views. |
| Pets | Cabins #7, #10, and #12 are dog-friendly (maximum two dogs, additional fees apply). |
| Reservations | Book online at reserve.arkansasstateparks.com/mount-nebo or call 479-229-3655. Individual camping reservations can be made up to 12 months in advance; camping is limited to one 14-day stay within a 30-day period. The reservation deposit equals one night's basic camping fee plus tax and is forfeited on cancellation. |
| Special sites | Access via Highway 155 West is one-way with 11 switchbacks and grades up to 18%; campers and RVs over 24 feet are not permitted on the mountain. No dump station on site. |
| Season notes | Bathhouse open year-round. Visitor center open daily 8 a.m.-5 p.m. |
Camping questions about Mount Nebo State Park
Can you camp at Mount Nebo State Park?
Yes. Mount Nebo State Park has 34 campsites. 24 Class B sites with water and 30-amp electric hookups. 10 hike-in tent sites. There is no dump station at the park.
How do you reserve a campsite at Mount Nebo State Park?
Book online at reserve.arkansasstateparks.com/mount-nebo or call 479-229-3655. Individual camping reservations can be made up to 12 months in advance; camping is limited to one 14-day stay within a 30-day period. The reservation deposit equals one night's basic camping fee plus tax and is forfeited on cancellation.
Are there cabins at Mount Nebo State Park?
15 cabins, ranging from studio to 3-bedroom units, available year-round. Twelve of the 15 cabins are along the bluff with river-valley views.
Are pets allowed at the Mount Nebo State Park campground?
Cabins #7, #10, and #12 are dog-friendly (maximum two dogs, additional fees apply).
Source: arkansas.com (verified July 2026). Details change seasonally — confirm when booking.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Mount Nebo State Park
Park policy: Arkansas State Parks lists exactly three of Mount Nebo's fifteen full-service cabins as dog-friendly: cabin 7 (the ADA A-frame, 3 bedroom/2 bath), cabin 10 (A-frame, 2 bedroom/1 bath with spa tub) and cabin 12 (rustic 1 bedroom/1 bath with pellet stove). Each of those carries an additional fee when you bring a dog. The park asks you to raise the dog when making the reservation rather than at check-in.
- Pets allowed?
- Only cabins 7, 10 and 12 are dog-friendly, and charge an extra fee
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Pets must be leashed, caged or otherwise restrained under direct physical (not verbal) control; no maximum leash length is specified.
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Pets (other than service animals) are not permitted at swimming beaches or pools at any time, nor in public buildings.
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Designated dog-friendly cabins and lodge rooms exist at all lodging parks (about 25% of cabins at 14+ parks incl. Petit Jean, Mount Magazine, DeGray Lake Resort, Devil's Den); limit 2 dogs per unit, non-refundable per-dog fee at check-in, proof of vaccinations required.
- Pet fees statewide rule
- No day-use pet fee; a non-refundable per-dog fee applies for dog-friendly cabins/lodge rooms.
- Park-specific rules
- The remaining twelve cabins - 1 through 6, 8, 9, 11 and 13 through 15 - are not dog-friendly, so book early if you need one of the three that are.
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Only dogs (no other pet types) are allowed in lodging units.
- Dogs & wildlife
- Keep dogs leashed on rim trails and around overlooks — some bluff edges are intentionally unfenced.
Are dogs allowed at Mount Nebo State Park?
Only cabins 7, 10 and 12 are dog-friendly, and charge an extra fee.
Beyond that, Arkansas’s statewide rules apply.
Rules verified July 2026 via codeofarrules.arkansas.gov. More: Arkansas state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
🐻 Wildlife at Mount Nebo State Park: What to Watch For — and Watch Out For
Worth watching for: White-tailed deer call the mountain home, per Arkansas State Parks, and the park has long been known for its abundant wildlife along with cooler summit temperatures and lush vegetation. The 1,350-foot summit offers panoramic views over Lake Dardanelle and the Arkansas River valley, and the park distributes an Arkansas butterfly checklist for visitors who want to log sightings.
Watch out for: The official park brochure carries this notice: to preserve scenic beauty and ecology, fences and warning signs have not been installed in some park locations, and caution plus close supervision of children is required in those areas. Twelve of the park's 15 cabins sit along the bluff line, so treat unfenced bluff edges with respect and stay on trails.
Wildlife information verified July 2026 via arkansas.com.
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